I know it's the Mom in me that has me worried about one of the chickens once again. Golden, as we call her has been listless and well to be graphic has the runs. Yellow runs at that. I'm patiently waiting for the results of a poop sample. If you had asked me 2 years ago if I'd ever be this concerned over a chicken I would have emphatically said, NO!
I've come to love my chickens. I mean who wouldn't? I raised them from day old chicks with lots of TLC. They feed us a beautiful array of colorful eggs. My extended family is loving it as well since I keep them in free eggs. I've lost more than a few now to snakes, weasels, dogs and illness. I'm praying Golden will be OK. The thought is that she has a simple case of parasites and if she doesn't die before the diagnosis I should be able to cure her easily. I just need to know what to do. I met the animal doctor at the Animal health facility in Lynchburg. Mostly they diagnose what animals died from. I'm hoping she will be able to help me before that happens here. The Dr. was a great resource for me. Though she readily admitted she didn't know much about chickens she was far more helpful than the local vets. Seems the local vets don't know crap about chickens. I thought living out in the country would mean the vets here would know about farm animals. As is usual with assumptions, well you know the saying.
Let me just say that I'm completely exhausted after deciding to clean the coop alone. After shoveling and lifting bails of straw and hay and 50lb bags of lime and pushing the wheel barrow from the van to the coop like a million times I practically had to crawl up the steps to the back door. Then to top it all off I couldn't get the zipper to unzip on my coat. So in my weakened state I tried to lift my coat over my head to remove it. Well, my arms were so sore that I think it took me 30 minutes to get out of that coat. How sad is that? So I'm taking a leave of absence for a while. As if I could.
There is a MOUNTAIN of laundry to do,3 toilets to clean, dishes to wash,sweeping to do, floors to mop, carpets to vacuum, cooking to be done and school work to be taught. I'm sure I'm leaving out lots but you get the idea. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to do all those things when I can't lift my arms above waist level.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
My journey to Alzheimer’s
After getting dressed this morning I headed down stairs with one thought, I need to make some coffee. On my way out of my bedroom I notice the glass of water I had taken up last night and I think to myself, I’ll save myself a trip if I get this now. I continue out my room and down the stairs having to pause for a moment to think, what did I want in the kitchen? Oh yes I wanted coffee. I look around for the coffee pot and realize it must be in the dishwasher… which of course it is but I must have forgotten to run it last night so I reach in for the coffee pot to hand wash it decide to take a quick peak around the downstairs for any cups that didn’t make it into the dishwasher last night.
In the living room I notice a glass and a coke can that were left on the end table. I pick them up go back to the kitchen drop the can in the recycle bin and notice the cats not so patiently waiting for some food. I place the cup on the counter and proceed to feed the persistent cats. I pause after doing so and think, what was it I was supposed to be doing before I got distracted? I see the cup I left on the counter and I put it in the dishwasher and start it up.
I realize that I’ve still forgotten something. Hmmmmm, I know I came down here to do something, what was it? Oh wait there in the sink is the coffee pot I still need to hand wash. Good now I can make that pot of coffee that I wanted. I set out to make the pot when I realize that my darling husband hadn’t said if he felt like decaf or leaded. So I yell upstairs to ask which he’d like. “Leaded,” he says. As I typed this the pot is finally done and it only took most of the morning to do it. My family may have to start looking at nursing homes form me real soon.
In the living room I notice a glass and a coke can that were left on the end table. I pick them up go back to the kitchen drop the can in the recycle bin and notice the cats not so patiently waiting for some food. I place the cup on the counter and proceed to feed the persistent cats. I pause after doing so and think, what was it I was supposed to be doing before I got distracted? I see the cup I left on the counter and I put it in the dishwasher and start it up.
I realize that I’ve still forgotten something. Hmmmmm, I know I came down here to do something, what was it? Oh wait there in the sink is the coffee pot I still need to hand wash. Good now I can make that pot of coffee that I wanted. I set out to make the pot when I realize that my darling husband hadn’t said if he felt like decaf or leaded. So I yell upstairs to ask which he’d like. “Leaded,” he says. As I typed this the pot is finally done and it only took most of the morning to do it. My family may have to start looking at nursing homes form me real soon.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Homeschool 101
Today I was in the process of posting items for sale on a local area yard sale group and a free item on our local freecycle group. I got a couple of immediate responses to the free Power wheels jeep I offered on freecycle and ended up on the phone with someone that was very interested in coming to pick that up. We got to chatting and I told her how I was a stay at home mom and I also explained that I home school my son. She was very excited to hear about a home school mom. She has some interest in homeschooling her children but didn't know anyone that did that.
I was of course thrilled to give her any information that would help her to decide if it was the right thing for her. I promised to send her some helpful links to begin her research and I visited one of the home school groups I hadn't checked out in sometime and found this interesting article. I thought it was a great read and it enlightened me to think from the non homeschooling perspective. I'm not sure if I was guilty of thinking this way prior to my home school days but it sure was interesting.
Check it out for yourself.
I was of course thrilled to give her any information that would help her to decide if it was the right thing for her. I promised to send her some helpful links to begin her research and I visited one of the home school groups I hadn't checked out in sometime and found this interesting article. I thought it was a great read and it enlightened me to think from the non homeschooling perspective. I'm not sure if I was guilty of thinking this way prior to my home school days but it sure was interesting.
Check it out for yourself.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
A day of Firsts and forty-seconds...
Today Nickie started her job training program at STEPS. She was so proud to be starting a job. Though her paychecks will be minimal she will start to have a few dollars to spend each month. She already has plans for the first paycheck. She wants to buy a new blue shirt. When Nickie arrived home she was beaming telling me all about her co-workers and her day. I never thought she would be able to work so this is very special.
Today Jackie, Brandon, Bob and I were headed to La Parota to have lunch when we passed one of the cattle farms and noticed a woman pulled over and had a blanket over something inside the fence. We turned around to see if we could help and found 2 women now at the side of a new born calf. Now as you all know we are new to the country life and though we're learning daily about goats and chickens we know nothing of cattle. So this woman insisted the calf was freezing to death. So I got out my cell phone and called animal control to tell them what was going on. I had knowledge from a previous incedent that they had a contact number for the owner. I explained what was going on and that someone needed to call the owner to come tend to the calf.
While I'm on the phone with animal control one woman jumped the fence and tried to pic up the calf. She had her back to the momma cow and momma didn't look happy at all. Bob and I told the woman to get out but she wouldn't listen. Momma snorted and lunged forward a few times I was very nervous and worried that the wooden fence was as substantial as a toothpick fence to this momma cow. I began to worry that she would tear down the fence.
The first woman declared she wasn't able to lift the calf and two seconds later the other woman was over the fence and she hoisted the calf up and over the fence and expected Bob to take it from there. He grabbed the calf after her insisting if we didn't get it into a warm place soon that it would die. So for fear of the calfs life he took the calf, she jumped back over the fence and opened the back of her SUV for him to place it inside. All the while I'm on the phone with animal control telling them what is happening. I'm told that one of the officers is going to call me in 30 seconds or less so hang up wait for his call.
The officer calls me in 2.2 seconds and demands that the calf be put back. I place the woman on the phone with the officer who explains to her that there is still a cow rustling law on the books in VA and she could be charged with a felony offense. He explains she is to remain there untill they arrived. She assured us she would wait for them and we left to go to lunch.
We arrived at La Parota for my birthday lunch.
The food was great, the company even better and turning 42 was no more difficult than 24. At the end of the meal I was given a photo opportunity I couldn't miss. Here it is....
Just after that lovely polaroid was taken as we were walking up front to pay the bill I receive a phone call from the animal control officer...She explained that the woman that had the calf in her car didn't wait on them. Fortunately they were able to convince her to return the calf and avoid CATTLE RUSTLING charges. Yeah that law is still on the books here and Bob and I would have charged with the same. Fortunately I was able to remind them I was the one that called animal control in the first place and ummmm we didn't have the cow in our posession either... So thankfully I didn't add the first arrest to my list of firsts, today.
Today Jackie, Brandon, Bob and I were headed to La Parota to have lunch when we passed one of the cattle farms and noticed a woman pulled over and had a blanket over something inside the fence. We turned around to see if we could help and found 2 women now at the side of a new born calf. Now as you all know we are new to the country life and though we're learning daily about goats and chickens we know nothing of cattle. So this woman insisted the calf was freezing to death. So I got out my cell phone and called animal control to tell them what was going on. I had knowledge from a previous incedent that they had a contact number for the owner. I explained what was going on and that someone needed to call the owner to come tend to the calf.
While I'm on the phone with animal control one woman jumped the fence and tried to pic up the calf. She had her back to the momma cow and momma didn't look happy at all. Bob and I told the woman to get out but she wouldn't listen. Momma snorted and lunged forward a few times I was very nervous and worried that the wooden fence was as substantial as a toothpick fence to this momma cow. I began to worry that she would tear down the fence.
The first woman declared she wasn't able to lift the calf and two seconds later the other woman was over the fence and she hoisted the calf up and over the fence and expected Bob to take it from there. He grabbed the calf after her insisting if we didn't get it into a warm place soon that it would die. So for fear of the calfs life he took the calf, she jumped back over the fence and opened the back of her SUV for him to place it inside. All the while I'm on the phone with animal control telling them what is happening. I'm told that one of the officers is going to call me in 30 seconds or less so hang up wait for his call.
The officer calls me in 2.2 seconds and demands that the calf be put back. I place the woman on the phone with the officer who explains to her that there is still a cow rustling law on the books in VA and she could be charged with a felony offense. He explains she is to remain there untill they arrived. She assured us she would wait for them and we left to go to lunch.
We arrived at La Parota for my birthday lunch.
The food was great, the company even better and turning 42 was no more difficult than 24. At the end of the meal I was given a photo opportunity I couldn't miss. Here it is....Just after that lovely polaroid was taken as we were walking up front to pay the bill I receive a phone call from the animal control officer...She explained that the woman that had the calf in her car didn't wait on them. Fortunately they were able to convince her to return the calf and avoid CATTLE RUSTLING charges. Yeah that law is still on the books here and Bob and I would have charged with the same. Fortunately I was able to remind them I was the one that called animal control in the first place and ummmm we didn't have the cow in our posession either... So thankfully I didn't add the first arrest to my list of firsts, today.
Monday, January 22, 2007
pretty Ice
I woke this morning to a beautiful icy morning. Its something I love to see but not something I like to have stick around.
I do love to see the beauty from inside the warmth of my home. Though I did venture out for a short just to get some pictures.
Tonight most of the ice is gone and I can't say I miss it. Especially since I have to make the long drive to Ashland tomorrow morning. I hope the roads won't be an icy mess.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Happy Anniversary!
Now I know you will all find this shocking information but it's true, today Bob and I celebrate our 23 anniversary. Yes that's right 23 YEARS! I can't believe it myself. Today as it turns out is very much like this day 23 years ago. We had a light rain which turned to sleet and back again to rain. I remember arriving at the church that damp cold day. I wasn't about to allow the weather to dampen my spirits. I was filled with the joys and expectations of a life together with the man I love. Having no idea what the future was to bring.
Today here we stand as happy as we were all those years ago. Ready to face the challenges that are still to come.
**not sure why this pic is on its side since its upright on photobucket ... as usual I am having technical difficulties.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
problems with the school lunches....
I've been getting reports from Nickie's nurses about problems with the way Nickie's lunches have been prepared. You see for her to eat by mouth her meals have to be pureed. She doesn't chew her food so essentially they need to be pre-chewed. I've met with the cafeteria staff to explain this giving them an example of medium oatmeal consistency not too wet, not too dry. I thought that would be simple enough to understand.
I guess I expected too much of the cafeteria personnel. Her last meal at school last week looked like this.....
Do you see any resemblance to puree or medium consistency oatmeal?
I didn't think so either!
I guess I expected too much of the cafeteria personnel. Her last meal at school last week looked like this.....
Do you see any resemblance to puree or medium consistency oatmeal?
I didn't think so either!
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Friday, January 05, 2007
Monday, January 01, 2007
Goodbye 2006 Hello 2007
It's been a year of many things to be thankful for, not the least of which a full year in our home in the country. We quickly made the transition in this last year from being city dwellers to still learning country folk. Raising baby chicks to chickens ready to begin laying eggs soon. Let's not forget Aldo
and Frankie our goats.
We've made some great new friends in our community. Brandon has his homeschool friends and I have the wonderful mothers of those children. I've had ups and downs with the nursing care but in the end now have some wonderful nurses that are caring for Nickie. Some I'm proud to call friends as well.
We've had some set backs with some bouts of depression, though very minor, and our dealings with OCD which has become less of a daily issue with the help of medication. Though today the first day of this new year has been a dreary rainy day I refuse to believe it is a sign of things to come. I pray the new year will bring us happiness, health and prosperity. I wish the same for all my blogging friends and family.
Happy New Year!
and Frankie our goats.
We've made some great new friends in our community. Brandon has his homeschool friends and I have the wonderful mothers of those children. I've had ups and downs with the nursing care but in the end now have some wonderful nurses that are caring for Nickie. Some I'm proud to call friends as well.
We've had some set backs with some bouts of depression, though very minor, and our dealings with OCD which has become less of a daily issue with the help of medication. Though today the first day of this new year has been a dreary rainy day I refuse to believe it is a sign of things to come. I pray the new year will bring us happiness, health and prosperity. I wish the same for all my blogging friends and family.
Happy New Year!
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